Prince William Supports Veterans Bereaved by Suicide with Same Message Kate Middleton Used in Cancer News

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"There is no time limit to processing grief, but Catherine and I know the power that comes from sharing experiences, even in the most tragic of circumstances," the Prince of Wales wrote

<p>Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images</p> Prince William at the opening of the Glade of Light Memorial at Manchester Cathedral on May 10, 2022.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince William at the opening of the Glade of Light Memorial at Manchester Cathedral on May 10, 2022.

Prince William is reminding military veterans and their families affected by suicide that they are not alone.

On April 17, Suicide Bereavement U.K. published At Your Side guides for veterans and families, serving as a resource for those bereaved by suicide during or after military service. The materials were commissioned by the National Health Service of England, and the Prince of Wales, 41, wrote the heartfelt opening.

Prince William concluded the message with the same words that Kate Middleton, 42, used during her emotional video address on March 22 revealing she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

"Please know that you are not alone," William wrote, echoing his wife's message to "all those whose lives have been affected by cancer" when she said, "You are not alone."

<p>Karwai Tang/WireImage</p> Prince William and Kate Middleton tour tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham on Sept. 15, 2022.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Prince William and Kate Middleton tour tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham on Sept. 15, 2022.

Related: Prince William Shares His Tips for Better Mental Health: 'Humor for Me Is a Big Deal'

Prince William began the foreword, which was featured in both guides, "At times of national and international crisis we look to our Armed Forces to provide help, support and stability. Members of our Armed Forces never shy away from a challenge – harnessing their skills and working together to help others. But in times of great challenge, it can be tempting to hide one's own needs."

"Few of us will go through our lives without experiencing the loss of someone we love. Thankfully, suicide is rare within the Armed Forces community, but for those bereaved by suicide, this loss can be a complex and long-term experience," he continued. "Often the stigma surrounding suicide can prevent those affected from speaking out and seeking help."

"I hope this guide will act as a vital source of guidance and support, helping those who are impacted by suicide to process their loss, during what can be dark days of grief," Prince William wrote.

The royal and Royal Air Force veteran thanked those whose feedback inspired the guides, and the expert team that took it to fruition. The resources are based on the experiences and needs of participants in the Armed Forces Suicide Bereavement Study. The group grieved the death of a friend, colleague, spouse, partner, adult child, parent or sibling during or after military service due to suicide. Experts in military mental health, suicide prevention and bereavement then helped produce the materials available for free download.

"There is no time limit to processing grief, but Catherine and I have met many bereaved families over the years and know the power that comes from sharing experiences, even in the most tragic of circumstances," Prince William continued, referring to his wife.

<p>Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images</p> Prince William appears at The Colonel's Review before Trooping the Colour on June 10, 2023

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince William appears at The Colonel's Review before Trooping the Colour on June 10, 2023

Related: Prince William Visits with Welsh Guards After Kate Middleton Misses Big Event for Her Irish Guards

Suicide Bereavement U.K. specializes in suicide bereavement research and the development of evidence-based support materials for the bereaved. A third At Your Side guide is also in the works for serving personnel.

Mental health is a key focus of The Royal Foundation, the charity for Prince William and Princess Kate’s nonprofit work. The couple memorably launched the Heads Together campaign through The Royal Foundation with Prince Harry in 2016 to smash stigmas surrounding conversations and help with mental health and have continued raising awareness ever since.

The Prince of Wales has further honed on combating the suicide rate among men in the U.K., in addition to his work advocating for the armed forces community. Prince William previously served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force and as an air ambulance helicopter pilot and is actively connected to the military today through his honorary colonelcy of the Welsh Guards.

Prince William paid a private visit to members of the regiment at Combermere Barracks near Windsor in March, where he learned more about the positive impact of the Welsh Guards’ physical and mental rehabilitation programs. The Prince of Wales also checked out the facilities and learned about planned improvements while spending time with soldiers, medics and physical training instructors.

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Prince William is set to return to royal duties this week for the first time since Princess Kate announced that she is receiving cancer treatment.

On April 18, the Prince of Wales will highlight the work of community and environmental organizations in southwest London and Surrey on the day after Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis return to school following the Easter holiday. 

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